Flat calm, soft babble, rushing current or thundering rapids, an individual river can change its own mood and character on any given day. Depending on the flow, sitting by a river can be calming or exhilarating. One of the oldest rivers in the world, the New River runs through New River Gorge National River in West Virginia. In all that time, its moving waters cut a canyon more than 1,000 feet deep in the hard stone of the Appalachian Mountains. From riverbank or rim’s edge, it’s an impressive sight. Photo by National Park Service.

New River Gorge National River looks lovely with some winter frost shining under a bright blue sky. A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep and spectacular canyons, the New River is actually among the oldest rivers on Earth. Here in southern West Virginia, the New River has carved and continues to carve the deepest and longest river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains. Impressive views and fantastic recreation opportunities keep people coming to the park all year. Photo by National Park Service.

Born in the Appalachian Mountains, the New River flows north through several states before joining the Ohio River system, then the Mississippi River and finally the Gulf of Mexico. In West Virginia, it tumbles through the wide valley of New River Gorge – an area rich in natural and cultural history. 70,000 acres of this forested valley are protected as New River Gorge National River, where people and wildlife can enjoy the endless natural splendor. Photo by National Park Service.

Flowing north through the longest gorge in the Appalachian Mountains, the New River is actually one of the continent’s oldest rivers. New River Gorge National River protects over 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles of the New River in West Virginia, from rolling mountains and craggy cliffs to deep forests and teeming wetlands. The park’s waters support a fascinating aquatic ecosystem that includes distinct populations of native fish, mussels, crayfish, rare amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Photo by National Park Service.

Fall colors frame a stunning view at New River Gorge National River in West Virginia. From over 1,000 feet above the river, you can look down on the clouds nestled in the valley below and enjoy sweeping views of mountains and forests. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, which is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers spectacular scenic and recreational opportunities. Photo by National Park Service.

New River Gorge National River in West Virginia encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles of the New River as it tumbles over waterfalls and winds through picturesque valleys. High points offer dramatic and expansive views of mountains, forests and the rugged river. Descending closer to the flowing waters gives visitors a chance to scramble over smooth stones and marvel at one of the park’s many waterfalls. Sandstone Falls marks the transition zone of the New River from a broad river of wide bottomlands, to a narrow mountain river roaring through a deep boulder strewn gorge. Photo by National Park Service.

Born in the Appalachian Mountains, the New River flows north through several states before joining the Ohio River system, then the Mississippi River and finally the Gulf of Mexico. In West Virginia, it tumbles through the wide valley of New River Gorge – an area rich in natural and cultural history. 70,000 acres of this forested valley are protected as New River Gorge National River, where people and wildlife can enjoy the endless natural splendor. Photo by Richard Burgess (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Morning fog fills the valley at Grandview in New River Gorge National River in West Virginia. From 1,400 feet above the river, you can look down on the clouds and enjoy sweeping views of mountains and forests. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, which runs through this ancient and gorgeous landscape. Photo by Zach Locks (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Dawn wakes the sky at Grandview in New River Gorge National River in West Virginia. From 1,400 feet above the river, you can look down on the clouds nestled in the valley below and enjoy sweeping views of mountains and forests. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, which is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers spectacular scenic and recreational opportunities. Photo by Nathaniel Gonzales (www.sharetheexperience.org).

A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River in West Virginia is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.

Photo: Adam Jewell (www.sharetheexperience.org)